RPS has an exciting opportunity for a LC Analyst to join our state-of-the-art laboratory based in Bedford. This is a permanent, full-time role working 9 am – 5 pm Monday to Friday. As an experienced LC Analyst, you’ll be familiar with your typical responsibilities across the entire analytical process - from sample extraction to data analysis and reporting of results.
About The Team:
We are a high calibre scientific team of Analysts, Chemists, and Technicians that operate from purpose-built laboratory facilities which have a long history of providing expert advice and analytical solutions to a range of sectors including water, utilities, agrochemicals, and defence. Our laboratories enjoy an international reputation for solving complex and novel analytical problems and delivering large scale monitoring programmes such as the UK’s Chemical Investigations Programme.
The Bedford Laboratory houses a state-of-the-art analytical facility renowned for its work in ultra-trace complex analysis of emerging and priority pollutants. This laboratory was one of the first laboratories in the UK to gain UKAS accreditation for the analysis of PFAS chemicals in the aftermath of the Buncefield oil terminal fire in 2005. The laboratory comprises around 100 scientists and support staff and is equipped with the latest range of instrumentation, which enables us to push the boundaries of detection and measure extremely low levels of pollutants in environmental matrices.
About You:
As a key member of the Laboratories business, your role as a LC Analyst is critical to helping us conduct investigations and formulate effective solutions to help our clients comply with environmental quality standards (EQS) and maximum residue limits (MRLs).
By joining us you will collaborate with our clients to design a tailored analytical programme to meet their complex regulatory needs, leveraging our state-of-the-art instrumentation. You will be influential in providing analytical support to develop new methods and optimising existing analysis to ensure ongoing compliance with evolving regulatory limits.
Your Responsibilities:
You’ll be responsible for running a range of methods for the identification and quantification of pesticides, priority pollutants and emerging contaminants primarily using LC-MS/MS. You may also need to work in the Lab conducting the sample extraction, as required. Given the rapidly changing nature of the industry, there may also be a requirement to work with senior colleagues to develop methods for novel and/or newly emerging environmental contaminants and watch list chemicals in line with commercial requirements.
* Follow established procedures to perform trace organic analysis on a wide range of samples/matrices.
* Operate primarily triple quadrupole and single quadrupole LC-MS instrumentation, together with other laboratory equipment, as required.
* Work with extraction staff within the laboratory to ensure samples are prepared for analysis according to business requirements.
* Perform routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC-MS/MS instrumentation.
* Raise QC queries and non-conforming work and follow up investigations as necessary.
* Prepare samples, solutions and reagents following standard laboratory formulas and procedures.
* Process and interpret analytical results.
The job may involve the following possible hazards:
* Handling chemicals and solvents.
* Handling samples that are potentially biohazardous.
* Handling of foods, including nuts.
Skills, Knowledge, and Experience:
* Experience working within an accredited analytical testing laboratory, ideally within the environmental sector.
* Experience and understanding of single and triple quadrupole LC-MS systems operating in both ESI and APCI ionisation modes.
* Use of Agilent Chemstation and Masshunter software would be desirable.
* Experience of conducting routine maintenance and troubleshooting of LC based systems.
* Demonstrated flexibility in analytical approach and ability to cope with high throughput and varied analysis in a fast-paced environment.
* Minimum of a 2:1 BSc in Chemistry or closely related subject or equivalent industrial experience.
* Excellent time management skills, attention to detail and ability to cope under pressure.
What’s in it for you?
A personal development plan and a transparent career pathway puts you in the driving seat of your career and you’ll be supported as far as you want to go.
We encourage and value different ideas, perspectives, and styles of thinking. We need a mix of experiences and skills to develop the most innovative ideas. We respect one another and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. You’ll be joining a diverse community and a company that puts its people first and prioritises their well-being.
A career here is far from ordinary. Here you’re not a number, you are part of the solution.
Why RPS?
We’re a connected community, working together to achieve exceptional outcomes. We understand the need to work flexibly, empowering our people to create a work-life balance that’s right for them. We also understand the importance of collaboration and social connection in the office environment. With agile offices and hybrid working offered as standard, we trust our people to find the right balance to meet client needs – this is a workplace that works for you.
About RPS, a Tetra Tech Company:
RPS, part of Tetra Tech since January 2023, is a global firm that defines, designs, and manages projects in urbanisation, natural resources, and sustainability. As part of Tetra Tech’s 28,000-strong team across 550 offices in over 120 countries, we deliver solutions that create lasting value in an increasingly urbanised and resource-scarce world. By leveraging our global expertise, we enable our clients to develop winning solutions for their clients and communities.
As a Tetra Tech company, RPS is proud to provide market-leading development and project opportunities for our people, supporting their growth while addressing the challenges that matter. Our people drive our success, and this is where you come to build a career.
Take the next step in your career and help make our world a better and safer place.
What happens next?
If we feel you are a good match, we will be in touch to arrange a competency interview. If this opportunity suits your career journey, we’d love to hear from you. All applications will be considered. Ready to apply? Please have your CV ready and continue with your application online. #LI-SY1
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Mindful that a truly inclusive organization must make appropriate use of talent on a global basis and without unnecessary barriers, we are committed to embedding diversity and inclusion principles in all People processes in order to be as diverse as the communities and clients we work with, thereby securing, developing, and retaining the best available talent for the company’s future.
Our approach to Diversity and inclusion
Our people live our purpose, deliver our promise, and demonstrate our behaviours every day. Our behaviours define who we are. Developed by our people, they underpin everything that we do. They create the memorable experiences we are known for and make RPS a great place to do great work.
‘Stronger Together’ is one of our five core behaviours and it is inherent in creating an inclusive workplace: ‘We are respectful, acknowledge diversity, and recognise the potential and contribution of everyone. We bring out the best in one another, always assuming best intent. People who learn and grow thrive in our business, sharing in our success.’
Recruitment Agencies
We have a Preferred Supplier List of trusted partners to assist us when required and do not acknowledge any speculative CVs or unsolicited candidate introductions from agencies not on this list. Please refer to the careers page on our website if you require any further information.
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